Australia to quit using mugshots for target practice

Australian police today abandoned using photographs of living people, including some Aborigines, for target practice after coming under fierce criticism.

Local media said the photos – usually “mug shots” taken after arrest – were used for training by Queensland state’s elite counter-terrorism squad.

“It is a despicable act,” prominent Aboriginal leader Ray Robinson said. “I think it is outrageous in a country where we are trying to achieve reconciliation between black and white Australians.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson initially defended the use of the 10-year-old images, but later said the practice would be stopped after the state’s Police Minister Tony McGrady called for a review.

“There was never ever any racist overtone or aspect to this, it is about identifying, under very brief and difficult circumstances in a hostage siege situation, the victims from the offenders,” Atkinson said.

“But I acknowledge that with the wisdom of hindsight ... we should not have used photographs of people without their permission and without their knowledge.”

Atkinson said 28 different pictures were used – four women and 24 men. Only two images were of people with dark complexions, he added.

He apologised for any “embarrassment or hurt” caused.

Australian Council of Civil Liberties president Terry O’Gorman said earlier the practice should be investigated.

“There is no necessity to have photographs of real people for use as target practice,” he said.